More than 1,000 prefabricated mass‑timber rental units could be built over the site of a decommissioned police station after Vancouver‑based Intelligent City and Sustainable Development Group (SDG) announced a joint redevelopment of 29 and 35 Sperling Drive, in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. The developers say the project would deliver 1,035 rental units across four 18‑storey mass-timber towers, set atop a two‑storey concrete podium, on a site near St. Vincent Street and Highway 400. Construction is targeted to begin in 2027, with practical completion possible by 2029, pending municipal approvals and the completion of SDG’s due diligence.
“By combining our construction technologies with SDG’s development vision, we can deliver homes faster and more sustainably — demonstrating what’s possible for cities across the country,” said Intelligent City president Oliver David.
Wood Central understands that the proposal calls for off‑site manufacture of highly finished floor and wall assemblies that arrive at the site complete with structure, insulation, cladding, windows, and doors. Floors would be delivered with integrated mechanical ducting and electrical conduit, reducing the number of on‑site trades and shortening assembly time, the developers said.
“It’s currently under contract and going through site‑plan approval,” said Kartik Singla, SDG founder. “Under contract means the purchase or sale is not 100 per cent completed yet, as SDG is currently in its due diligence period of the sale agreement. Yes, the purchase is from the City of Barrie.”
The Sperling Drive parcels are part of a broader municipal strategy to convert surplus city land into housing. In 2023, Barrie council rezoned several city‑owned sites, including 29 and 35 Sperling Drive, 50 Worsley Street, and 60 Dean Avenue, and placed them on the market. Together, those properties are planned to deliver nearly 1,800 new residential units.
If approved, the Sperling Drive scheme would increase Barrie’s rental supply substantially and mark one of Canada’s larger applications of prefabricated mass timber for multiunit housing. Advocates say prefabrication will reduce construction disruption in surrounding neighbourhoods and deliver housing faster than conventional methods.
SDG is completing due diligence and advancing site‑plan approval; the project will proceed to public consultation and council review under standard municipal planning processes. Ward 3 Coun. Ann‑Marie Kungl, who represents the Sperling Drive area, declined to comment on the proposal.
- To learn why AI, robotics and machine learning are all in the mix as policymakers look beyond traditional construction to keep pace with surging demand for housing and infrastructure, click here for Wood Central’s special feature from last year.
